By Jackie Pollack
Last Friday, the varsity girls basketball team beat their long-standing rival Briarcliff in the Sectional Final at Pace University, getting revenge for their only defeat during the regular season and emerging with their fifth back-to-back championship in Section 1, Class B.
Dobbs Ferry, Ardsley and Irvington, normally fierce competitors, put aside their beef to support the Irvington girls against Briarcliff and all three towns stayed for the Dobbs Ferry boys game against Blind Brook. It was Grace Thybulle’s Instagram post that brought these three schools together. With a whooping 739 likes and a caption that read “as essential pieces of the river town community all of us must set aside our difference for one night.” The post was a picture of the both Dobbs Ferry and Irvington with a heart that included the schools colors of Ardsley, Dobbs Ferry and Irvington. “Alone we are strong, but together we are unstoppable. This post is public, share it, spread the word, tell your friends. Unite the river towns.”
Each comment showed an overwhelming amount of support. “I just read this out to my lunch table, on behalf of the lady panthers ATOWN [Ardsley] WILL BE THERE. OUR RIVER,” a member of the Ardsley High School community said. While the post did get some hate the river town pride was too strong to be affected by it.
The audience remained on the edge of their seats as the first half concluded with Irvington leading by just two points. Though freshman player Katie Lebuhn injured her leg and had to be assisted off the court during the first quarter, she came back during the second quarter with more drive and determination. Lebuhn has proved herself as a terrific asset to the team by scoring 12 points and retrieving 10 rebounds.
The game remained neck and neck throughout the fourth quarter, but the Bulldogs prevailed in triumph with a final score of 52-49. As always, Briarcliff was a tough opponent who put up a good fight against Irvington.
Thybulle was awarded as the most valuable player of the game with 20 points and 10 rebounds. Throughout the game Thybulle had phenomenal defense and blocked numerous shots. She was nominated for Lohud Player of the Week along with three other players.
The team is headed to the regional finals on Saturday after beating Marlboro Central, 66-50, in the state regional semifinals on March 5th at Mount Saint Mary College. We wish our team luck as they continue their journey towards states!
